When Usman Anwar joined Unify as an Area Cleaning Manager, he was looking for more than just a new challenge. After more than seven years managing hard and soft FM services in the construction sector, he wanted to be part of a business that truly values its people, where development, structure and purpose go hand in hand.

“At Unify, I saw a real investment in people. The training, structure and support are all there. It’s a place where you’re set up to succeed, and where colleagues feel genuinely valued.”

Making an immediate impact

Usman now manages a portfolio of eight buildings across Manchester city centre, with responsibility for around 50 to 60 colleagues. It’s a fast-paced role with plenty of variety - from day-to-day operations and staff coordination, to leading customer relationships and conducting audits, ordering supplies, managing site compliance and supporting new business through quotes and onboarding.

But the human side of leadership is where he’s most passionate.

“I have a balanced management style. I like to stay hands-on with the details but also keep the big picture in mind. Above all, I treat others how I’d want to be treated. That’s the foundation.”

Just weeks into the job, Usman had to act fast when unexpected staff absences threatened to disrupt service. Rather than postpone or compromise, he quickly found cover, selecting someone with site experience to maintain quality and avoid any impact on the customer.

“It’s not about patching over problems. We’re paid to deliver a service, so I do everything I can to make sure we follow through.”

Putting people first, every step of the way

Coming from an environment where short-term contracts and agency labour were the norm, Unify’s people-first culture has been a welcome change.

“At Unify, people aren’t just let go if a contract ends. We do everything we can to redeploy them. That really stood out to me.”

Usman is focused on building a strong, supported team and helping individuals see a future with Unify. He’s already had conversations with colleagues who are studying alongside their jobs, encouraging them to explore opportunities across both Unify and Bruntwood, whether that’s stepping into team leader roles or shadowing other departments.

“Cleaners often go unrecognised. I want to make sure our team members feel valued, supported in their career goals, and know they’re part of something bigger at Unify.”

Looking ahead

Usman’s goal for the next six months is to embed himself fully into the role and the team; spending time with staff, understanding each site in detail, and making sure everything runs smoothly and professionally.

He’s particularly focused on:

Strengthen staff relationships and develop internal talent
Ensuring pay and rotas are accurate and fair
Deliver consistent, high-quality service to every customer
Supporting new customer opportunities to help Unify grow
Managing compliance and cost efficiency across all sites

It’s a big remit, but Usman’s energy and commitment are clear.

“No two days are the same — that’s what I love about the job. It’s varied, it’s people-focused and it keeps you on your toes. And when everything runs smoothly, and the team feels appreciated, that’s the biggest reward.”

If you’re looking for a people-first approach in your cleaning services, get in touch with our friendly team.

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